“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 11:1

There have been many athletes in the news lately making headlines for a position that they have decided to take on certain political issues. And though the issues themselves can often be complicated and even convoluted, I believe there is a question that each and every follower of Jesus Christ needs to stop and ask themselves in these situations; “Who do I listen to, and why?”

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but not all opinions are equal. Our society has some very poor reasoning for giving a public platform to certain individuals. Just because someone is a great athlete, or a great musician, or a great actor, it doesn’t necessarily mean that we should look up to them or that their example is one we should follow. Paul, in 1 Corinthians, tells us very clearly who we should listen to and who’s example we should follow; those who are following Christ.

What does someone who follows Christ look like? They exhibit the Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control. So it does not really matter if someone is an athlete or a pastor; a musician or a missionary; an actor or a Sunday school teacher. We should only follow their example if we clearly see them following Christ. The opinions that are most valuable come from those who are closest to Jesus.

In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Shane Cannon <><